RUSSELL: WE'RE READY FOR THE NORWICH CHALLENGE

Club News

4 years 7 months ago

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade looked ahead to the Norwich City match and addressed the previous week’s news in his Friday morning press conference.

With the Bluebirds ready to make the long journey to Carrow Road to meet Norwich City in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday, the Gaffer also disclosed that goalkeeper David Marshall would miss out on a return to his former Carrow Road stomping ground as he has yet to shake off the ankle injury which sidelined him last week against Fulham.

To begin with, Russell spoke of that big win against the Cottagers, saying, “The build-up to last week’s game made it massive for this Football Club, and the footballers that were going to go out there against Fulham. I was really pleased with the way they managed that game, and managed to stay in control. It was a big, big day for the Club, and we got that win and celebrate the fact that we were back in blue.

"For Scott Malone to have been with us for less than forty-eight hours beforehand, and then be named man of the match, shows how important he is going to be for us. Alex Revell will be another big player for us, and his work rate was there for all to see on Saturday.”

Simon Moore looks set to deputise once more for Marshall in goal against Alex Neil’s Canaries, and Russell spoke of his confidence in the young City shot stopper.

“David’s not going to travel, which is slightly disappointing because we thought he would have a chance for this weekend,” Russell said. He’s striking the ball now, and he’s a lot better than he was last week. I’d say he’s somewhere in the region of seventy to eighty per cent better, but his ankle is still causing him a problem in terms of kicking and moving across the box.

“Simon’s come in and played really well, and he’s been ready to take that opportunity. David has been number one for a long time here, but Simon has deserved his chance. I have rated him for some time; I tried to take him to Orient from Cardiff about a season and a half ago. He’s very highly-rated in the division below, and here he’s doing himself no harm at all with his performances so far.”

The Bluebirds’ visit will be new Norwich City manager Alex Neil’s first home game in charge of the Club, and Russell was full of respect for his opposite number. “He didn’t do too badly at all in his first away game (the 2-1 win over Championship leaders AFC Bournemouth),” he said. Their form in their last two home games is a bit scary, with a 5-1 and a 6-1, but it’s a challenge that we’re up for and eager to get on with.”

For Scott Malone to have been with us for less than forty-eight hours beforehand, and then be named man of the match, shows how important he is going to be for us. Alex Revell will be another big player for us, and his work rate was there for all to see on Saturday.”